Bicycle racers from across Alabama taking over Huntsville Speedway on Saturday

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - All levels of bicycle racers are invited to compete in a day of a racing at Huntsville Speedway on Saturday.

View full sizeMen's category 5 cyclists make the turn onto Explorer Boulevard, during the Spring City Cycling Club Rocket City Criterium's Bicycle Cove Circuit Race last spring at Research Park. (Huntsville Times file photo/Robin Conn)

The event, hosted by Alabama Wheelmen, the state's oldest bicycle racing club, will begin with time trials, which are individual events that pit racers against the clock. Criterium racing follows, featuring various groups who take turns racing in packs around the track.

A separate category for women's riders is also included in the event, which will conclude in a one-on-one final match for both the top women and the top men.

A special race for masters-level cyclists will award honors divided among age-brackets ranging from age 35 to 65 and older, with separate awards for men and women. The event closes with one-on-one racing of the individual pursuit, as featured in the Olympics. This will decide the final overall male and female winners for the event.

Cyclists may enter Saturday's event as unattached riders by purchasing a one-day license and riding as Category 5 racers. For those interested in continued racing, an annual license is available, allowing racers to earn credit toward category upgrades and attach to racing clubs such as the Wheelmen.

The Wheelmen will field a team of more than 20 cyclists with support from several Huntsville businesses, headed by Johnson & Hayes Physical Therapists. The team aims to defend its home turf against legends from across the state representing clubs such as Velo Voodoo, Mellow Mushroom Racing and GS Montagna Rossa.

The team is seeking new members with the goal of expanding the team as it prepares for the remainder of the road cycling season, which will conclude in September with the state championships in Hartselle.

The Alabama Wheelmen, the largest cycling club in the state, seeks new members who wish to participate as racers and also supporters who serve as team soigneurs, providing assistance to racers during preparation and competition.

Experienced racers on the team work side-by-side with new members added to the team throughout the season. The club actively promotes close ties with local bicycle shops, where members enjoy preferred discounts and expert advice.

For additional information, contact James Dawson at jadawson@hiwaay.net or visit the club web page,www.alabamawheelmen.org.